We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloëdees and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloëdees, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Every time I step behind a set of decks ready to DJ to a room full of unknown people it can be one of the most risky things and it’s one I love doing. The challenge presented alone; a venue I could have played 20+ times can feel different once you step inside the room, the energy of the people and my own mood are all factors as to what and how I play on that night. The spontaneity of how my set is gonna go, which track to play next, what genre direction I might take it… You really never know and it’s that exact uncertainty I love!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Before it was widely accepted to play many genres in one set, I was doing it and didn’t care. As a DJ and radio host this was a big risk because 1) audiences for the most part like what is familiar and 2) people were unsure how to categorise what I do. Falling into trends has never been my thing and this was a challenge I faced from the offset. When I started DJing publicly in London back in 2014, House Music was – and still is – the backbone of my sound. My ears are always open to varying music spanning obscure 80’s to Classical to Kuduro & more, yet I also play influences from my background such as UK Garage and Reggae. A strong mission of mine has always been to support my artist friends and community so I will always play & share their music whatever city I’m in. It’s about knowing how to stitch all the pieces together. I’ve always thought of myself as the ‘Related’ section on Youtube or Spotify; if you like that then you’ll probably like this. It caught the attention enough to spin at A-List parties in Hollywood so I’ll keep doing what I do best.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Still getting to know this great sunny spread out city but I definitely have acquired some favourite spots already! On their first night I’d probably say dinner at Olivetta in West Hollywood. We’d have to do 2 beaches – Point Dume in Malibu for the eery mist and tempestuous coastline and Redondo Beach to for calmer waters and plane-watching. We could take the classic road Mulholland Drive for that film noir Hollywood feel. Obviously a classic LA hike is essential, so the trails all the way up to Griffith Park & beyond for views of the whole city and on the way back hop to Paradise City for some record shopping. Ooh! I’d highly recommend visiting a good local dispensary for some Cali treats to indulge while sitting in Echo Park. The weekends are for markets, definitely hit Black Market Flea on a Saturday then spend a Sunday in Leimert Park – both are tight-knit amazing independent creative Black communities I love to support. As long as the sun is out, being outside is never a bad idea!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First shoutout to my success goes to my Mum. From the early memories of us all dancing to Acid House on pirate radio stations playing in the kitchen, to driving on the motorway blasting Vybz Kartel and Soulful House on a Saturday heading back from Costco and to this day staying up past midnight to catch my NTS show live in the UK, the most love and respect goes to Mum. Secondly, my brother Lingo for passing down endless musical knowledge and left field tastes. The admiration and collaboration is still going! I’d definitely also thank Sisamo, who taught me how to handle vinyl, build a radio show and everything to do with being a turntable DJ at the age of 15. It was great to have a female role model at such a young age that supported and encouraged my diverse musical tastes.
To every person/entity that’s booked me over the years – they see and believe the vision. Bless up!
Lastly I wanna big up everyone who’s moved feet, whined a waist, nodded a head to my set. Especially here in LA where the reception so far in this city has been sick. Big love for rockin with me!

Instagram: @Chloëdees

Other: https://www.nts.live/shows/chloedees

Image Credits
Rickie Arnez Dom Holland Rob Jones Shayla Lee Charles Moon Emma McIntyre

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